Qualitative study of the issues faced by UK and Ireland adult males bereaved by suicide.

John Whitebrook

School of Human and Social Sciences

Supervisors:

Professor Caroline Lafarge

Graduate School

Dr Jamie Churchyard

School of Human and Social Sciences

Background:

This study explores the needs, barriers, and facilitators to postvention uptake by men, including the perspectives of suicide loss survivors (SLS), those providing support (professionals and peers), and academic experts.

Method:

This qualitative study is using online Semi-Structured Interviews to gather information for Thematic Analysis. Across UK and Ireland support organisations and research institutions, 18 – 22 interviews are being conducted including with men that have embraced support and those that have avoided or eschewed support.

Findings:

Interviews are ongoing, with five complete at the time of submission. These include UK and Ireland support organisations, an Irish research expert, and UK SLSs. Analysis has yet to be formally undertaken but, during the transcription phase, support for the notion that men have a more fatalistic attitude to suicide loss is emerging. Potential barriers to support uptake may include a lack of signposting, stereotypical male reticence to share emotions, peer-support groups being female dominated (and potentially intimidatory) and men-only groups not having a suicide-loss focus. By the date of the conference, the initial formal analysis will be available.

Discussion:

Via the identification of key drivers, regarding male postvention uptake and effectiveness, the study will facilitate support organisations honing their offerings to better meet the needs of male SLSs and elucidate behaviours that result in men not receiving vitally needed support, allowing for potential new services to be designed.